WERESCOTE

Werescote is a magnificent Georgian home, which is not Listed, set in immaculate gardens and grounds extending to over 21 acres, enjoying spectacular and panoramic views to the south, east and north, taking in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, the Wellington Monument, the Taunton Vale, Polden Hills and Glastonbury Tor in the distance. The building has been extensively modernised by the present owners to create a magnificent family home, retaining many of the building’s original features, whilst incorporating modern heating and leisure facilities, immaculate interiors and a versatile layout, with a self-contained annexe on the lower ground floor.

The property stands on land purchased in 1800 by Ellis Were, a London-based banker, from a gentleman named James Barker. The Were family had been established in the parish since Elizabethan times, and Ellis further cemented their status by acquiring the lordship of the Manor of Sampford Arundel. Ellis began construction of the residence known as Were’s Cott, but passed away in 1804 before its completion. The house was finished in 1805 under the supervision of his eldest son and principal heir, Thomas Waltham Were. The land at Werescote has a notable history, including hosting over 1000 navvies, tasked in the construction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Whiteball Tunnel, where the steam train ‘The City of Truro’ recorded the first ever speed of 100mph achieved by any commercial vehicle in May 1904.

As it stands today, Werescote is approached via a long sweeping driveway, flanked by manicured lawns, dotted with trees and shrubs, creating a serene and well-kept landscape. In front of the house, the gravelled driveway leads to the front entrance, which is elevated with steps and flanked by decorative lampposts. Offering over 12,200 sq ft of versatile accommodation, including a self-contained annexe, the accommodation seamlessly blends period charm with modern comfort across four principal floors.

A grand entrance hall welcomes you into the heart of the home, leading to a beautifully proportioned drawing room, formal dining room, and a spacious kitchen/breakfast room ideal for family living and entertaining. A cosy sitting room, dedicated study, practical utility room, and cloakroom complete the ground floor layout. On the first floor, the principal bedroom suite features a luxurious en suite bathroom and dressing area. There are four further bedrooms on this floor, two of which have en suite bathrooms, while the remaining rooms are served by a generous family bathroom.

On the second floor, there are four further bedrooms, two of which are en suite, a shared bathroom, attic/store room and a sitting room. The lower ground floor is currently arranged with a self-contained annexe, games room/studio and indoor swimming pool suite. There is also access to an integral garage, plant rooms storage facilities from this floor. The annexe, which has independent exterior access and generates an income from holiday lets, comprises an entrance hall, kitchen, living/dining room, a principal bedroom suite, two further bedrooms and a shared bathroom.

Outside, the gardens and grounds offer plenty of privacy and seclusion, whilst taking in the extensive views. There are large areas of level lawn, terraces, borders, a kitchen garden and orchard, paddocks and woodland, which complete the bucolic setting. Within the grounds, there are two substantial outbuildings, which include further garaging, a workshop and store, carport and gym. Adjacent to the garaging, there is a plant room and pellet store for the biomass boiler system.